And There Was War London 2017 Review

Imagine seeing light beams ping pong around you, as if they are life forms springing pastyour body, jumping from one place to another. Then add the sound of speed and hearsounds whizz so fast that your eyes and ears just can't keep up and you’re full ofexcitement wondering what’s going to happen next....Well, imagine this as the opening scene, an artistic representation of the views fromHeaven when the early works of Creation were being created.

Just as the title reads ‘And There Was War’ highlighted the conflict between Immanuel (played by Thomas Ababio) and Lucifer (played by Lloyd Reid).

I think sometimes as Christians or those who have read the Bible, we are already aware that there was a war in Heaven, but we don't really take it a step further to analyse the thoughts and wordswhich may have been exchanged between the highest ranking Angel and the Creator. Thedialogue between the two is like a child to its parent, who asks their father if they can beinvolved in the things the dad is doing, but in this case to help them create life. The way inwhich Lucifer is consistently denied the opportunity can almost lead the viewer to side withhim. There’s an emotional tug to feel empathy towards him, because in his eyes, as heputs it “I just want to help”. But underneath the emotional ties, you realise his motives aredriven by jealousy and him not wanting to be left out. The way in which he single handedlytries to bamboozle the Seraphim on the same guilt trip is interesting, eventually taking athird of the angels with him.

There are four main Bible stories neatly woven between the heavenly scenes, bringing thecharacters to life and allowing the audience to really think and consider what they mayhave done in those situations. - It truly is food for thought. I felt real emotions and heardreal questions. The way a mother reacts to her young daughter when she tells her thatshe's pregnant, of which is no fault of her own. The dispute between two brothers that leadsto a fatal death, which may not have been intentional - but makes us realise what angerand hate can lead to. The feeling that Adam must have felt when he realised what Eve haddone, yet he still made the decision to walk the path with her. Adam’s character (played byRomario Simpson) truly expressed the pain in his heart as he cried and moaned in anguish.

It’s one of those performances which taps into your mind, knocks on your heart and evenmakes you laugh out loud!

An easy to follow storyline for the believer and non believer alike. Surprisingly appropriatefor all ages, with killer choreographed moves (which seemed to get the kids excited) andthose heavenly scenes with it’s musical backdrop of awe and wonder.Considering there were minimal props used and no visual backdrops, the way in which thefloor space was utilised by the cast, the lighting and music were all just right in setting thescene for the viewer to allow their minds to be carried on a journey with the characters.Nothing was over the top, over done or unnecessary.

Mary & Mother

Definitely a performance to watch with family, friends or even if you’re on a date ;-)I wouldn't say it’s one of those plays that make you ‘feel good’, but one of self evaluationand aspiration. I can honestly say I came away feeling changed with a mindset of wantingto be more intentional in my everyday life.